학술논문
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function and cytokine production in multiple sclerosis with or without interferon-β treatment.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*HYPOTHALAMIC-pituitary-adrenal axis
*MULTIPLE sclerosis
*CYTOKINES
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Language
ISSN
0001-6314
Abstract
Objectives – Pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS); they can also influence the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. We evaluated the possible abnormalities of HPA axis function in relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS). Material and methods – IFN-γ , TNF-α and IL-6 production by ex-vivo lymphocytes from 10 normal volunteers and 10 RR-MS patients before and during IFN-β therapy was assessed; pituitary-adrenal function was evaluated by means of CRH and ACTH stimulation tests. Results –In untreated patients the production of IFN-γ , TNF-α , IL-6 was increased, and was significantly decreased by IFN-β . Neither basal, nor stimulated ACTH, cortisol, DHEA, DHEAs, 17-α -OH-progesterone levels differed between controls and RR-MS patients, both before and during treatment. Moreover, no correlation was found between endocrine and immune parameters. Conclusion –In MS the HPA axis function seems normal and not influenced by IFN-β treatment. This result is discussed in relation to the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines found in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]